Vermilion school board member, Rini resigns, elementary school up for sale

VERMILION -- Nine-year Vermilion school board member Tim Rini has resigned from the board.

The Vermilion Local School board will have a special meeting on Monday night to interview candidates for the seat.

The board also will consider possible ways to sell the South Street Elementary property, according to its agenda.

Rini resigned effective Oct. 18, according to his letter of resignation. He served two, four-year terms and was in his ninth year on the board.

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"I spent nine years on the board and it was a wonderful thing," Rini said. "I really enjoyed my time on the board."

Rini said he will remain in Vermilion and hopes to stay involved in the schools and community.

"I thank the board, administration and community for all of the support and confidence you have given to me over the past nine years," Rini wrote. "I am very proud of the accomplishments we have been able to achieve together.

"My resignation comes from a decision to focus on my career and other business opportunities going forward," Rini wrote. "Nevertheless, it is my hope that I can continue to contribute to the Vermilion schools and support our kids as an interested community member and as someone who cares deeply about the district. Hopefully our paths will cross in the future.

"In leaving, I am confident that with your guidance, the Vermilion schools will continue to be a great place for all students to begin and continue their lifelong learning experience," Rini wrote.

Rini praised Superintendent Phil Pempin for his work on the "one to one" initiative with Apple computers providing a computer for every student. He also cited restructuring the school district to save money and Treasurer Amy Hendricks' work to create a new campus plan for Vermilion schools.

"So my hat's off to them and it was wonderful to be a part of," Rini said.

Board members Sid Jordan, Shelly Innes, Dale Dawson and David Rice will meet Monday at 7 p.m. to interview candidates.

Anyone interested in applying for the post can send a written notice of interest to the board by 4 p.m. Monday. Letters should be addressed to Superintendent Phil Pempin at the school administration office, 1230 Beechview Drive, Vermilion.

Meanwhile, the board also will consider a possible sale of South Street Elementary.

On Oct. 20 the board had an auction to take bids on the school, which is a complex of three buildings, playground and parking lot.

There was one bid of $5,000 by George Duncan, who owns a Missouri property development company, Hendricks said.

Since the auction, the school district has received some interest in the site from other parties who were not bidders in the auction, Hendricks said.

The board could accept the bid, but if they reject it, the board could advertise the building for sale without an auction, Hendricks said. She added she will supply the bid information but not make a formal recommendation on what to do.

"I think that I will let the bid speak for itself and let the board evaluate that and what's best for the community," Hendricks said.

The board meeting is Monday at 7 p.m. at the board office, 1230 Beechview Drive, Vermilion.